Saint Francis de Sales: his heart preserved in a reliquary

Let us delve into the captivating story of the pious and devoted life of Saint Francis de Sales, whose memory is honored here.

Saint Francis de Sales, having dedicated his life to preaching and spiritual guidance, also left a considerable literary legacy. His writings, notably his famous “Introduction to the Devout Life” and “Treatise on the Love of God,” are masterpieces of spiritual literature, offering practical advice for a committed life of faith.

Appointed Bishop of Geneva in 1602, Francis de Sales was confronted with the rise of Protestantism in his city. He became an itinerant preacher, going out to meet people and writing texts to reach those he could not meet in person.

In 1610, he founded the Order of the Visitation of Saint Mary with Jeanne de Chantal, a contemplative female order welcoming women of all ages and states of health.

On December 28, 1622, in Lyon, Saint Francis de Sales died. Before taking his last breath, he spoke words filled with tenderness towards the nuns of the Order of the Visitation of Saint Mary. In the parlor of the monastery, he confided to them: "I carry you all in my heart and I leave it to you as a token of my friendship."

These words, loaded with meaning, become a tangible reality after his death. During the embalming rituals, in accordance with the custom of the time, his heart is extracted, preserved with respect and transmitted to the Visitation. From then on, the organ is venerated as a sacred treasure, solemnly exposed for public veneration at the end of January in the monastery church.

The faithful flocked in droves to honor this relic, often witnessing miracles attributed to its contact. Louis XIII, convinced that he had been delivered from serious illnesses thanks to the intercession of the holy bishop of Geneva, offered a precious gold reliquary to house the heart which remained intact (source).

However, during the turmoil of the French Revolution, the Visitation nuns made the courageous decision to protect the relic by taking it with them into exile. From Mantua to the Tyrol, then to Bohemia, and finally to Venice in 1801, where the relic remained until 1913.

On this date, Pope Pius X, deeply devoted to Saint Francis de Sales, guided the relic to Treviso, in accordance with his wish. Thus, the sacred legacy of Saint Francis de Sales continues to travel through the centuries, protected by the faith and dedication of the Visitation nuns.